Avionic Calculator Routing Module Reduces Aircraft Network Weight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Avionic communication networks on aircraft are complex and require multiple network switches, leading to increased cost, volume, weight, and electric consumption due to the need for redundant communication paths.

Innovation Solution

An avionic calculator with an integrated routing module that functions as a network switch, reducing the need for additional network switches by directly communicating with other switches and simplifying the communication network within the aircraft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple network switches are used to ensure redundant communication paths, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the routing functionality into the avionic calculator itself, eliminating the need for separate network switches. The avionic calculator acts as both an endpoint and a routing node, consolidating multiple functions into a single device and reducing overall network complexity while maintaining redundancy through software-based routing protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The avionic calculator is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both an avionic application processor and a network routing device. This multi-functionality allows it to replace dedicated network switches while maintaining communication reliability through integrated routing capabilities that can handle redundant communication paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple network switches are deployed for redundancy, then communication reliability is improved, but volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidvolume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the routing function into the avionic calculator, the patent eliminates the physical space required for separate network switches. The routing logic is implemented within the existing calculator housing, thereby reducing the overall volume occupied by communication equipment while maintaining redundant communication paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple network switches are used for redundant communication, then communication reliability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates routing functionality into the avionic calculator, eliminating the need for separate network switch hardware. This consolidation removes the weight of additional network switches while maintaining communication reliability through software-based routing that can establish redundant communication paths across the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple network switches are implemented for redundancy, then communication reliability is improved, but electric consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidelectric consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating routing functions into the avionic calculator, the patent eliminates the power consumption associated with separate network switches. The routing logic utilizes the calculator's existing processing and communication resources, thereby reducing overall electric consumption while maintaining redundant communication paths for improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Ease of operation

If dedicated network switches are used, then routing functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The avionic calculator is designed to perform both avionic applications and network routing functions. This multi-functionality provides routing capabilities without requiring dedicated network switch hardware, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining operational effectiveness for both computing and communication tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10230574B2Avionics calculator with integrated routing module, related communication network and communication installation, and aircraft comprising such a communication installation

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 THALES SA

AI summary

This avionic calculator, intended to be loaded on board an aircraft, the avionic calculator includes a protective casing and at least one module from among an information processing module able to execute at least one software application, an input/output management module and an electric power supply management module, each module being positioned inside the casing. The avionic calculator further includes a routing module positioned inside the casing, the routing module including several communication ports and being configured for transmitting at least one message from an input communication port to an output communication port.